Blog by: Guest contributor Stefanie Michelle
As they say in the South – it’s Fall, y’all! That means the trees in North Georgia are about to unveil their vibrant amber, red, and yellow hues, signaling that it’s time to enjoy the crisp autumn air and stunning views. And what better way to take in the beauty of a Blue Ridge sunset than relaxing in an Adirondack chair by the fire?
Imagine marshmallows roasting, wine glasses toasting – chin chin! You sip the last drop of an elegant Cabernet Franc and smile. That’s right, Cabernet Franc, not the sweet Muscadine that may come to mind when you think of Southern wines.
Why the switch? [1] Because North Georgia wine country is undergoing a transformation, and if you appreciate European wines, this is great news!
Today’s North Georgia vineyards are moving away from the familiar Muscadine and towards crafting sophisticated wines that stand up to the best you’ve tasted abroad. But more on that in a moment…
For now, let’s get to the good news: East Coasters no longer have to fly across the country to enjoy a wine-filled, relaxing weekend. In just a short flight or drive, you can experience fantastic wines, warm hospitality, and farm-fresh food set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Caption: Photo courtesy of Limoges Cellars.
If this sounds like your idea of a perfect getaway, but research and planning isn’t your thing, don’t worry. With over 20 years of experience organizing food and wine tours across the U.S., Savor Our City can handle all the details for you. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a friends’ weekend, or a corporate retreat, we’ll help you make the most of North Georgia wine country.
Why Visit North Georgia for a Wine tasting Weekend?
The reasons are many, but here are five of the best reasons:
Charming Lodging – There’s an abundance of reasonably priced, cozy accommodations to complete your weekend.
Innovative Winemakers – You’ll find vineyards embracing European-style wines, with some producing exciting new varieties.
Farm-to-Table Cuisine – The food scene here is rooted in local farms, offering fresh, seasonal dishes to pair with your wine.
Breathtaking Scenery – The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for your wine-tasting adventures.
Easy Access – Conveniently connected to a major international airport, you can be sipping wine in no time.
The Rise of North Georgia Wine
For years, Georgia has been known for Muscadine, a sweet dessert wine. [2] But since the 1990s, winemakers have been quietly experimenting with European grape varieties, and today, many North Georgia vineyards don’t even grow Muscadine. The result? A wine scene that’s evolving and offering serious contenders to rival wines from Europe and California.
At Limoges Cellars Vineyard, Farm, & Winery, for example, winemaker Daniel Limoges is rejecting the old stereotype that East Coast wines can’t be complex. He’s growing varieties like Albariño and Blaufränkisch, grapes you’d usually find in Spain or Austria. Daniel explains that the higher altitude and shorter growing season in the Blue Ridge Mountains help the grapes retain their acidity and fruit characteristics, which is key for producing balanced wines.
This year, Limoges Cellars harvested grapes including Albariño, Vidal Blanc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, all hand-picked by volunteers who were rewarded with homemade cinnamon buns, pizza, and a glass of their signature sparkling apple wine, Blanc de Pommes.
The winery’s dedication to producing small-batch, artisanal wines ensures that every vintage is something special. And while dry wines are their focus, even those with a sweeter palate will find something to enjoy – think sangrias and spiced mulled wine in the cooler months.
The Rise of North Georgia Wine
For years, Georgia has been known for Muscadine, a sweet dessert wine. But since the 1990s, winemakers have been quietly experimenting with European grape varieties, and today, many [2] North Georgia vineyards grow everything but Muscadine. The result? A wine scene that’s evolving and offering serious contenders to rival wines from Europe and California.
At Limoges Cellars Vineyard, Farm, & Winery, for example, winemaker Daniel Limoges is rejecting the old stereotype that East Coast wines can’t be complex. He’s growing varieties like Albariño and Blaufränkisch, grapes you’d usually find in Spain or Austria. Daniel explains that the higher altitude and shorter growing season in the Blue Ridge Mountains help the grapes retain their acidity and fruit characteristics, which is key for producing balanced wines.
This year, Limoges Cellars harvested grapes including Albariño, Vidal Blanc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, all hand-picked by volunteers who were rewarded with homemade cinnamon buns, pizza, and a glass of their signature sparkling apple wine, Blanc de Pommes.
Limoges Cellars – A Winery to Watch
What makes Limoges Cellars stand out? Their commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of Georgia. Nearly all their wines are made with grapes grown on their property or sourced from other Georgia vineyards. When necessary, they’ll work with nearby states like Virginia or North Carolina, but their goal is to keep the winemaking process as local as possible.
Bubble lovers delight in Limoges’ best-selling Blanc de Pommes, which you’ll experience like champagne, when really it’s made from Georgia apples. Another sparkling wine perfect for the holidays is the sparkling red Emilia. This Lambrusco-style wine is made from Chambourcin.
And it’s not just the wines that draw visitors. [3] Daniel and his wife, Kristina, have personally built much of the winery themselves – from planting the vines to constructing the tasting room. This hands-on approach is reflected in the attention to detail and warm hospitality that guests rave about. With consistent 5-star reviews, Limoges Cellars is quickly becoming a must-visit destination on the North Georgia wine trail.
Ready to Plan Your Weekend?
Now that you’re intrigued by North Georgia’s burgeoning wine scene, it’s time to plan your group visit. Whether you’re a hands-on traveler who enjoys crafting your own itinerary or you’d rather leave the logistics to the pros, Savor Our City has everything you need to ensure your corporate weekend getaway is unforgettable.
From winery reservations to transportation, dining, and even lodging suggestions, we’ll take care of it all. And we can tailor the experience for corporate retreats or team-building events that will leave your employees feeling inspired and appreciated.
So, whether you want to explore on your own or prefer us to take the wheel, you’re in the right place. North Georgia wine country is ready to exceed your expectations.
Follow Limoges Cellars on Instagram or subscribe to their newsletter to stay informed. You could even help with next year’s harvest! @limogescellars or www.limogescellars.com
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